Dead Horse Point State ParkAbout Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is a public park in southeastern Utah notable for a dramatic high mesa and a panoramic overlook over the Colorado River and carved canyon landscape. The site is famed for its broad canyon vistas from a single, easily accessible viewpoint.
The park’s main attraction is the mesa-top overlook that provides sweeping views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyon country; the viewpoint sits several hundred metres above the river and frames broad meanders and layered canyon walls. There is also a compact visitor area and a network of short trails and viewpoints around the mesa that allow closer inspection of the rim and geological features.
The area was developed as a state park with managed viewpoints, trails and basic visitor facilities to protect the mesa-edge scenery while allowing public access. Over time the site has become a popular spot for landscape photography, short hikes and scenic drives.
The park occupies a high sandstone bench in southeastern Utah near the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands and is accessed from the Moab region. It sits within the broader canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, offering clear views across the river-cut landscape.
- Overlook drop: The principal viewpoint looks down roughly 2,000 feet (about 600 metres) to the Colorado River and canyon floor, making it a prime spot for panoramic photography.
- Best time to visit: Sunrise and sunset deliver the strongest light and color contrasts on the canyon walls and are the most popular times for photographers.
What to See#
- Dead Horse Point Overlook: The main overlook sits on a high sandstone mesa and provides a wide, 180-degree view across a carved canyon where the Colorado River runs far below.
- Visitor area and trail network: A small visitor area and trail network offer short walks to additional viewpoints and picnic spots around the mesa.
Nearby Attractions to Dead Horse Point State Park
Best Time to Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable visiting conditions and dramatic light for photography.
Weather & Climate near Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 3° | -5° | 24 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 7° | -1° | 17 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 12° | 3° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 17° | 8° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 23° | 15° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 29° | 21° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 33° | 25° | 27 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 32° | 24° | 30 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 27° | 19° | 28 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 19° | 12° | 32 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 10° | 2° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 5° | -3° | 21 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is about a 30-minute drive from Moab. From US-191 north of Moab, take SR-279 and follow signs to Dead Horse Point State Park. The park has a staffed entrance and a visitor center.
Tips for Visiting Dead Horse Point State Park
- Visit at sunrise for the monumental light across the canyon rim and to avoid the midday heat.
- The main viewpoint is a short, accessible walk from the parking lot-no strenuous hike needed to see the overlook.
- Combine a Dead Horse Point visit with nearby Canyonlands National Park for a full-day itinerary.